Governor Stein Urges Parents to Keep Kids Safe Online

As North Carolina students have returned to classrooms, Gov. Josh Stein urged parents and caregivers to focus on online safety and mental health. In his September column, Stein offered practical guidance for helping children navigate the digital world safely.

“Students are already in school, and we must do everything we can to keep them safe,” Stein wrote. “That includes wherever they are – at school, in their neighborhoods, and online.” Recent surveys showed that 96% of U.S. teens used the internet daily, with many online almost constantly, raising concerns about both safety and mental health.

Practical Tips for Online Safety

Stein emphasized the role parents played in guiding children online. He recommended that parents:

• Spend time with children online and model safe practices.

• Teach children about privacy settings and how to identify inappropriate content.

• Monitor apps, websites, and online activity.

• Encourage children to report uncomfortable or harmful behavior.

• Help children develop critical thinking skills to recognize misinformation.

• Discuss the risks of interacting with strangers online, including on social media and in games.

Supporting Mental Health Online

The governor highlighted the link between excessive online activity and adolescent mental health. A 2023 study found that teens who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of depression and anxiety.

To address the issue, Stein launched the Task Force on Student Safety and Well-being in April by Executive Order 13, which recommended limiting cell phone use during school hours. The General Assembly passed a bill enforcing the limit, and Stein signed it into law, aiming to make school more engaging and less stressful for students.

Parents were also encouraged to:

• Hold open conversations about online experiences and feelings.

• Set healthy screen time limits.

• Promote offline activities and face-to-face interactions.

• Watch for signs of stress or anxiety related to online activity and seek professional help if needed.

“By engaging with children, setting boundaries, and being a source of support, parents can help their kids have a positive and secure online experience,” Stein wrote. “Staying informed and involved is key to their well-being in a world very different from what many parents experienced growing up.”

Stein reminded parents that online safety and mental health remained top priorities as students navigated the school year.